By Liz Premo
Atlantic News, Thursday, May 29, 2003
HAMPTON -Memorial Day 2003 was observed on a somewhat soggy note in four Seacoast area towns on Monday morning. However, despite weather that turned progressively rainier, the spirit of patriotism displayed by the participants – and by crowds dressed in raingear and huddled under umbrellas — was by no means diminished. And though an outdoor Memorial Day concert in North Hampton had to be cancelled, the annual parade in that town took place as planned, as did a similar procession which marched through downtown Hampton to the High Street Cemetery.
The day started off under gray skies at the New Hampshire Marine Memorial Statue at Hampton Beach, with American Legion and MJROTC color guards. In a scene that would be repeated throughout the day at stops in Hampton Falls, North Hampton and Hampton, the moderately sized crowds were welcomed by American Legion Post #35 Commander Ralph Fatello. Speaking over a new PA system, USMC Veteran introduced the first speaker, Pastor Garrett Lear.
In his invocation, Pastor Lear read Scripture from 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Noting that the day’s proceedings were being observed “not just to mourn but to thank [those] who lived and died,” Lear stated that “we’re a better people today because of those who were willing to serve.”
The National Anthem was presented in all four towns, in an a capella performance at the beach by Winnacunnet High School students Kim Rushforth and Teresa McNamara, and by the WHS Warrior Band at Hampton Falls, North Hampton and Hampton. “God Bless America” was also part of three of the programs, again presented by students from their respective towns’ schools, including Marissa Henry from Lincoln Ackerman School, chorus students from North Hampton School, and a quartet of singers (Gabby Fatello, Sajin Murphy, Brynn Potter and Samantha Conway) from Hampton Academy Junior High School.
A powerful Memorial Day message, “Payback,” was delivered at each stop by Lt. Col. Phillip Bean, USMC. Cutting an impressive figure in drill military dress, Lt. Col. Bean began his comments by saying. “It is fitting and proper that we honor those that have sacrificed life for freedom, for defense and support of the Constitution of the United States, for our security, for our safety, for our liberty, for our dreams, for the dreams and aspirations of the entire world.” He called US servicepeople who did not return from battle “our modern day centurions, our Spartan warriors, our mortal saviors here on earth.”
A steady rain was falling by 11:15 a.m., but it did not prevent Hampton’s Memorial Day parade from taking place at that time. Spectators watched from the shelter of their vehicles parked alongside the parade route, then joined the procession for the ceremony in the High Street Cemetery.
Town officials. representatives from the town’s fire and police departments, Boy Scout Troop 177, the New Hampshire Firefighters pipe and drum corps, local Veterans, mounted police, marchers from Faith Community Church, American Legion Post #35 members, and scores of spectators were welcomed by Fatello. Under rain drenched skies, the Legion commander told those assembled that having everyone in attendance – when they’d likely be much warmer and drier at home – “means more to us than you’ll ever know.”
Lt. Col. Bean’s “Payback” speech continued to deliver its important message in its final presentation of the day. “Those we honor today have vanquished every enemy of freedom, and liberty in this nation’s existence,” Bean said. “We are the stewards of their sacrifice and the ambassadors of their mighty legacy.” The speech concluded with a passage from President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address which reads “that from these honored dead, we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion; that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain.
Pastor Lear delivered the benediction as each ceremony drew to its close. Echoed versions of “Taps” were played at the ceremonies, following the laying of memorial wreaths and firing of military gun salutes. Thus, under rainy skies and the relative shelter of big, colorful umbrellas – and a collective banner of heartfelt patriotism – Seacoast area residents came to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the freedoms enjoyed by the citizens of this country.
Showers of Thanks
Letters To The Editor
By Ralph G. Fatello, Commander
American Legion Post 35, Hampton, NH
[The following article is courtesy of the Atlantic News] To the Editor:
This is a letter of thanks and acknowledgement to all the participants, residents and visitors who braved the rain on Memorial Day.
On behalf of the American Legion Post #35 in Hampton, we wanted to take the time to thank those who came out in such huge numbers despite the rain to honor those who gave their lives for our country.
We believe you all came out in the rain because you knew that the small sacrifice we all made standing in the rain, was minor compared to the hardships those we came to honor, had to endure.
They don’t stop fighting wars due to bad weather. [or] rain, sleet, snow, sand and unbearable heat. Our men and women who have fought in all of America’s wars had to put up with some of the worse weather conditions known to man – just like our own police and firefighters who come to our rescue despite what the weather is doing. That’s what brave Americans do. They sacrifice.
That’s why, once a year, we honor those who lost their lives for our country. It’s because of their supreme sacrifice, regardless of the weather.
Legion Post #35 in Hampton salutes the following:
All the Veterans who came out and marched and stood with us at all four services; the police and fire departments: the town officials; the USMC Jr. ROTC (especially the Jr. ROTC Color Guard who made all four services) and instructors, the WHS Marching band (including the students who played “Taps”), the students who sang in the choral groups, the Professional Firefighters of New Hampshire Pipes and Drums, the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the Hampton Mounted Patrol, and the representative from the Order of the Eastern Star; and all the personal military vehicles.
Thank you Rev. Garrett Lear, Joe Kutt. Maj. Fred Rice USA (Ret), and a very special thanks and Semper Fi to our guest speaker, Lt. Col. Philip Bean USMC, for an outstanding speech.
A special salute goes out to all of you who stood there in the rain with us. We won’t ever forget that you cared that much about our fallen comrades.
We are all very fortunate to live in such a wonderful community as ours. Thank you all again. God bless you, and God bless America.
Ralph G. Fatello,
Commander.
Members of
American Legion Post 35
Hampton